A DEFIANT image of a Cleator couple kissing is being featured in a historic LGBT exhibition.

The display at Tullie House in Carlisle is Cumbria’s first ever exhibition charting changes in the lives and experiences of the LGBT community.

The image of Sue and Lisa Chaplin-Wickwar kissing at a Cumbria Pride event last year, while being targeted of protesters, went viral on social media and was 'liked' more than 14,000 times on Facebook.

The couple embraced after men with banners and a megaphone interrupted the event. Lisa and Sue reacted to the anger around them by kissing.

Lisa said: "We are honoured to be a part of the exhibition and were more than happy to share our stories. This was a snapshot moment of a loving action being the only response to what can only be described as a verbal assault on our lifestyle, which does not require the permission, or acceptance of those objecting."

The couple's picture and story is now part of the CELEBRATE LGBT History in Cumbria exhibition which details of Cumbrians who have lived through persecution because of their sexuality.

Tonia Lu, project co-ordinator for the exhibition, said: “We have wonderful recordings, photography and memorabilia from Cumbrian people who have lived through this social and legal revolution.

“The exhibition also puts those stories in a national context and charts the longer historical changes, from the Romans’ openness about same sex relationships through to Victorian and 20th century persecution.

"As recently as 1954 there were 1,069 gay and bisexual men in English and Welsh prisons – some were forced to undergo procedures that included electro-convulsive shock treatment and chemical castration."

CELEBRATE LGBT History in Cumbria will be on display until October 30 at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle. Standard admission charges apply. For more information, call 01228 618718.